MOGADISHU, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Somalia on Monday inaugurated a new Defense Board to strengthen defense governance, enhance coordination among defense institutions, and unify operations and force reforms.

Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the board would play a central role in shaping the country's strategic defense direction at a time when the government is preparing to take full responsibility for national security.

"The Defense Board will serve as a forum to align operational objectives, institutional reforms and national leadership decisions, ensuring an integrated, transparent and effective defense system consistent with the national strategy," Fiqi said at the inaugural session in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

Fiqi also underlined the importance of strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces, noting that Somalia's future security can be ensured through building a professional force with both operational and financial capacity.

He emphasized that the government is undertaking a planned transition to assume full responsibility for national security. ■